Croatia vs Nigeria Match Preview and Prediction

CROATIA VS NIGERIA

KICK OFF: Sat 16th June 2018 | 20:00 CET

GROUP D ROUND 1 | KALININGRAD STADIUM

Defences to keep things tight but Croatia can edge it over the Eagles

These two teams find themselves in this World Cup’s group of death alongside Argentina and Iceland. Argentina is a big name on paper, but they have not convinced enough on the pitch. Interestingly, Argentina and Nigeria meet in the same World Cup group for the fifth time.

With Argentina taking on Iceland in the group’s opening match, it leaves Croatia and Nigeria with plenty to fight for. Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic will be expected to employ their creativity and control the midfield and try to find spaces for Mandzukic and Perisic. It won’t be easy though with Nigeria’s stubborn midfield made of Obi Mikel and Wilfred Ndindi. Croatia’s defence will also have to deal with Nigeria’s pacy forwards including Victor Moses and Alex Iwobi.

Expect both defences to stay sharp, but I’m backing a narrow win for Croatia.